Cowboys Have ‘Zero Chance’ Of Starting Dak Prescott Over Healthy Tony Romo, Per Source

The Dallas Cowboys have been very impressed by rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, but continue to plan to start Tony Romo as their starter when Romo returns from a back injury, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Cowboys Have ‘Zero Chance’ Of Starting Dak Prescott Over Healthy Tony Romo

One source even stated that there is “zero chance” Romo does not start when cleared, noting the commitment Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made to the veteran QB and the bond between the two. The teams’ coaching staff believes it will have a stronger offense with Romo back under center, and that he is best positioned to lead the most productive offense possible.

Prescott is 4-1 thus far this season, and earned two more touchdowns (one running, one throwing) in Sunday’s 28-14 home victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 23-year-old 2016 fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State has yet to throw an interception after tossing 155 passes with Dallas.

On Sunday, Prescott plowed through the Bengals’ defense, scooting for 134 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries. The Cowboys led 28-0 after three quarters of play.

These are just the beginning of the youngster’s impressive statistics. Prescott has attempted just seven passes that have traveled 20 yards or more in the air — last in the NFL for any regular starter to play all four games — and completed just one. He has just three passing touchdowns and a TD percentage of 2.3 (30th in the NFL). None of Dallas’ outside receivers have more than 11 catches or even 170 yards on the season.

Romo had surgery on his left clavicle in March, and appeared to be healthy after that. However, in the third week of the preseason, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril hit Romo and the 36-year-old QB fell to the ground, clutching his back in pain. Romo has had to wear a brace after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his back.

Romo remains on track to play Week 8, after the Cowboys’ bye. Top receiver Dez Bryant is most likely to return by then as well, sources said.

The Cowboys, (4-1) who currently sit at the top of the NFC East, will next visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 25: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws during a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)